Q: I have a Power PC G4 tower and start up is not going to OS, I'm getting a question mark in a folder icon. What do I do?

If you don't have a backup then backup

Boot from the install CD for your PowerMac and use Disk Utility to check oput the disk

If the disk checks out then your system files is corrept and you will need to reinstall

Allan

Is OS X installed?

Try a Startup Manager boot. Hold Option while starting.

Try a Safe Mode boot. Hold Shift while starting.

A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac

If the PRAM battery is old, the system can lose it's mind.

Reset the PRAM.

resetting the PRAM - Support - Apple